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’98 Chevrolet CorvetteAfter 1200 break-in miles, our long-term Corvette engaged in wheel-to-wheel combat in the “Viva Velocity!” (May ’98) international speedathon, where the Torch Red coupe achieved 173.9 mph. After the brutal week-long competition, the rock-solid Vette returned to the mean streets of Los Angeles, where it continued to impress the editors with its stunning balance of performance and civility. A staffer, whose garage has been home to three 427 Corvettes through the years, wrote in the logbook: “This is the best Corvette I’ve ever driven.” Other praise has run from admiration for the ride quality of the Z51 competition suspension to appreciation for the powerful, ultra-crisp Delco/Bose stereo system. The only major criticism so far is of the wear of the leather buckets’ torso bolsters, which is exaggerated by the tan color. It’s necessary to combine yoga and gymnastics to enter/exit the long-doored Vette in close confines, like a garage, proving to be another good excuse to seek a safe, lonely spot at the far end of parking lots. Nice touch: The digital information display monitors oil life expectancy and recently indicated that the first service was due.

Base price

$37,495

Price as tested

$39,639

Body style

2-door, 2-pass.

Engine size/type

5.7-liter V-8

Transmission/

driveline configuration

6-speed manual/

front engine, rear drive

0-60 mph, sec.

4.8

EPA mpg, city/hwy.

18/27

Total mileage

4911

Test mileage

4529

Fuel consumed, gal

318.0

Fuel cost

$395.91

Average mpg

14.2

Additional oil/cost

None

Routine maint.

$72.16

Additional maint.

None

Previous maint.

None

Problem areas

Seat wear

Total operating cost

$468.07

Operating cost/mile

10.3

’97 Mercedes-benz SLKSummertime and the SLK go hand in hand, with the yellow Teutonic Transformer ready to morph into weekend mode at the push of a button. Despite the spunky two-door’s playful demeanor, miles have accumulated at a merely average rate. One editor explained the relatively low mileage: “Clever design for a city runabout, but this is not a car for a long trip.” Other comments regarding interior space, limited cargo storage, and seats as firm as a frathouse paddle further point at the SLK’s urban orientation. It’s a fun weekday commuter coupe but we previously experienced a closing problem with the auto-contorting hardtop. When replenishing the premium fuel at the local pump, passersby ask all manner of questions, from begging for a top demonstration to inquiring about the price. Clearly, this car hits well its intended market. The MT staff pines for increased, smooth power, a bit more passenger room, and fanny-friendly seats. Larger drivers find the cabin tight, expressing a desire for a tilt wheel to negotiate more legroom. Coolant level has recently dropped, requiring 2 quarts to bring it back up to spec.

Base price

$39,700

Price as tested

$42,385

Body style

2-door, 2-pass.

Engine size/type

2.3-liter supercharged I-4

Transmission/

driveline configuration

5-speed auto./

front engine, rear drive

0-60 mph, sec.

6.9

EPA mpg, city/hwy.

22/30

Total mileage

11,328

Test mileage

10,946

Fuel consumed, gal

512.0

Fuel cost

$676.76

Average mpg

21.4

Additional oil/cost

None

Routine maint.

None

Additional maint.

Add coolant

Previous maint.

$45.96

Problem areas

Roof mechanism

Total operating cost

$722.72

Operating cost/mile

6.6

’97 Mercury MountaineerMercury’s sport/ute differs from the Explorer it’s based on only in trim, and most valet-parking attendants we’ve encountered can’t tell the difference. One staffer likened the Mountaineer to a dark gray suit: inoffensive, businesslike, comfortable, and right for any occasion. Many miles have been logged by our resident outdoorsman/hunter who’s taken advantage of the all-wheel drive while seeking fowl in remote, muddy regions. When asked how good the Mountaineer is off-road, our man replied, “Well, I haven’t been stuck yet.” Navigating traffic-clogged city streets is easy due to the sport/ute’s medium size, yet there’s abundant people and cargo space. A pessimistic fuel gauge has sent drivers scrambling for the nearest gas station well short of the 21-gallon maximum range, with Empty being flagged at about 16.6 gallons down. Extended highway trips have edged the Mountaineer’s average up to 13.6 mpg, though it requires frequent stops during long-distance treks. Recommended 5000- and 10,000-mile services totaled $70 even with no problems.

When it debuted for '97, the new-generation C5 addressed a long list of the previous Corvette's shortcomings. Chief Engineer David Hill undertook the task of improving the new Vette's ride quality and safety, increasing fuel economy and power, while reducing weight. Design Chief John Cafaro further evolved the look of America's longest-running two-seater. The result was a better Corvette in…

'98 Chevrolet CorvetteAfter 1200 break-in miles, our long-term Corvette engaged in wheel-to-wheel combat in the "Viva Velocity!" (May '98) international speedathon, where the Torch Red coupe achieved 173.9 mph. After the brutal week-long competition, the rock-solid Vette returned to the mean streets of Los Angeles, where it continued to impress the editors with its stunning balance of performance and civility.…

In what has become an annual pilgrimage to a Memphis Motorsports Park in the New South, Motor Trend (and our readership) has been granted full access to Chevrolet's so-called "Toy Box." Jon Moss, manager of specialty vehicles for Chevrolet, and his team of engineers, fabricators, and professional "wrenches" put together a feast of one-of-a-kind vehicles that would even make a…